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Warhawk University opens door for training, development opportunities

  • Published
  • By Christa D’Andrea
  • 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

American comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” 

That is exactly what the 37th Training Wing Training & Development Council has built through the establishment of Warhawk University.

Warhawk University is the door to a host of professional development and training opportunities available for all individuals assigned or affiliated with the Gateway Wing, including mission partners from Joint Base San Antonio.

Officially launched in March 2021, “Warhawk University” is the umbrella name for the system to manage and maximize training and learning resources. 

“We were brainstorming on the need to promote and provide professional development opportunities and to find better ways to take care of our wing Airmen,” said Joe Surita, 37th TRW Executive Director and chairman for the Training & Development Council. “We knew there was a lot of amazing training happening across the wing, but also knew most of it was happening in a vacuum.”

Surita added that there was also a need to share ideas, promote training, and assist units with funding. 

The initial September 2020 brainstorming session has evolved into a volunteer group of more than 20 Airmen from across the wing – active duty and civilian –who meet on a monthly basis to collaborate and host learning opportunities for Airmen so they can grow in their personal and professional lives.

While each of the four groups within the wing operates their own T&D councils, they work together to synchronize training ideas and resources to minimize duplication of effort and maximize the effectiveness of the program.

Warhawk University is tied to one of the 61 objectives laid out in the wing’s strategic plan, “Operationalizing the Warhawk Way,” and falls under the goal of “Fostering Development for Every Member of the Wing.” 

“The collective efforts of the council members have created a repository of opportunity,” Surita stated. “From events, presentations, courses and speaking engagements, Warhawk University has something for everyone.” 

Details can be found on the Warhawk U calendar. For more information, to volunteer, or submit an idea for training, contact the T&D council at 37TRW.Warhawk.University@us.af.mil.